Aquatech Pro, Inc

965 34th N.W.

Paris, TX 75460

1-800-850-2423

 

Water Quality for Poultry

Water is the most important nutrient for poultry; survival time is limited in its absence. Birds can survive for longer periods without any other nutrient than they can survive without water.

Although water is regarded as the most essential nutrient, it is impossible to state its exact  requirements. Birds generally drink approximately twice as much water as the amount of feed consumed on a weight basis. During periods of extreme heat stress, water requirements may easily quadruple.

Although the importance of providing a sufficient amount of water or adequate access to it is well accepted, the importance of water quality on performance is often overlooked. Water quality attributes can have a direct or indirect effect on performance. High levels of bacterial contaminants, minerals, or other pollutants in drinking water can have detrimental effects on normal physiological properties resulting in inferior performance.

Water quality can be evaluated by a number of criteria. It can be difficult, however, to describe good quality drinking water for poultry because many of the standards have been derived from recommendations for other species of animals or from human standards. In many cases, guidelines have been established based on mortality and not deficiencies in performance. Submitting a water sample annually for analysis should be an important part of good water management. The results of the analysis should be interpreted appropriately to determine the proper course of action. The following are some of the most important factors that influence water quality.

Color, Taste, Odor

Drinking water should be clear, tasteless, odorless, and colorless. As a general observation, a reddish-brown color may indicate the presence of iron, while a blue color indicates the presence of copper. Hydrogen sulfide is indicated by a rotten egg odor. Hydrogen sulfide may also combine with iron to form black water (iron sulfide) that may also implicate the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Taste can be affected by the presence of salts, and a bitter taste is usually associated with the presence of ferrous and manganese sulfates.

Bacteria

The presence of microorganisms is typically a result of surface contamination by organic materials and can result in poor performance. The presence of Coliform bacteria is generally related to fecal contamination of drinking water due to runoff to surface or ground waters. Ideally, bacterial contaminants should not be present in drinking water and measurable levels should be zero. Chlorination or filtration of the water supply can eliminate bacterial contaminants. Samples taken for bacterial testing should be obtained in a sterile manner and may need to be taken at the source and at strategic points to localize any problems.

pH

The acidity or alkalinity of water is measured by pH. A pH of 7 indicates that the water is neutral, a pH less than 7 indicates acidity, and a pH greater than 7 indicates alkalinity. Low pH water can be unpalatable, corrosive to equipment, and may have a negative impact on performance. High pH water is also unacceptable since it reflects high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can clog watering systems. Poultry accept water on the acid side better than they accept water on the alkaline side. Municipal water systems may range in pH from 7 to 9 depending on their water sources. So even municipal waters need the ph adjusted to Gppm with acid injection.

Hardness

Hardness refers to the presence of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium in either bicarbonate or sulfate form and is expressed as an equivalent of calcium carbonate. It measures. the tendency of water to precipitate soap and form scale. Hard water is commonly associated with the buildup of deposits and the formation of scale in the components of the watering system. Hardness is not commonly harmful to poultry unless certain ions are present in toxic amounts. High levels of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may cause an increase in water consumption, wet droppings and a drop in production. Extreme hardness may diminish the effectiveness of water administered medications, disinfectants and cleaning agents.

 

Mineral Contaminants

A wide variety of minerals are commonly found in drinking water.  Normally, they are found in relatively low concentrations and cause no harm.   

Drinking Water Quality Guidelines for Poultry

Nitrogen contamination of water supplies usually occurs in the form of nitrates and nitrites. Both are a result of biological decay of animal or plant matter, chemical fertilizers, or animal wastes. The presence of nitrates often suggests bacterial contamination, since their presence is often a direct result of the seepage of surface water from surrounding fields that were fertilized by either chemicals or animal manures.

Nitrate itself is not toxic. After ingestion, however, it is converted to the toxic form of nitrite by microorganisms found in the intestinal tract of the animal. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, nitrite binds strongly to hemoglobin and, thereby, reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Chronic nitrate toxicity causes poor growth, anorexia, and poor coordination. Studies demonstrate that nitrate nitrogen levels in the drinking water as low as 3 to 5 mg/It depress broiler growth rate.

High concentrations of sulfates can combine with magnesium to form Epsom salt or with sodium salts that cause a laxative effect and can result in wet lifter. High concentrations of sodium or chloride may also increase water consumption and increase lifter moisture. High levels of sulfate may also interfere with the intestinal absorption of other minerals such as copper.

High levels of magnesium are only a problem in the presence of high sulfate levels since they combine to form Epsom salt. The formation of scale in the watering system can be attributed to high levels of or combinations of sulfate, magnesium, or calcium.

High levels of iron may encourage the growth of bacteria, which can lead to diarrhea. When the ferrous form of iron present in well water is exposed to the air, it is converted to the ferric hydroxide form commonly referred to as rusty water.

Other contaminants in the water may include pesticides, herbicides, industrial residues, petroleum products, and heavy metals such as lead or cadmium. Such contaminants are more difficult to detect and require more costly testing procedures.